Reading’s Ali Al Habsi was in fine form despite his side’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace.
Crystal Palace are off to Wembley after overcoming Championship side Reading 2-0 at the Madejski Stadium in Friday’s FA Cup quarter-final.
The Eagles left it late to progress, requiring an 86th-minute penalty from Yohan Cabaye, followed by Fraizer Campbell’s strike in the fourth minute of stoppage time, to see off the a stubborn Royals side, who had defender Jake Cooper sent off for bringing down Yannick Bolasie in the box.
One Reading player stole the show, though, pulling off a string of saves to keep his side in the tie – even getting a hand to Cabaye’s spot-kick.
And despite progressing to the semi-finals for the first time in 21 years, Palace fans were quick to acknowledge the efforts of Ali Al Habsi, with some suggesting their club should sign the Oman international this summer.
Palace’s problems in goal are well documented this season, and only two clubs’ goalkeepers (Bournemouth and Liverpool) have made as many errors leading to goals as theirs.
| Position | Team | Error Lead To Goal | Appearances | Mins Played | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artur Boruc | GK | Bournemouth | 3 | 24 | 2,160 |
| Adam Federici | GK | Bournemouth | 1 | 5 | 405 |
| Wayne Hennessey | GK | C. Palace | 2 | 22 | 1,980 |
| Alex McCarthy | GK | C. Palace | 2 | 7 | 630 |
| Adam Bogdan | GK | Liverpool | 1 | 1 | 90 |
| Simon Mignolet | GK | Liverpool | 3 | 27 | 2,430 |
In fact, Alex McCarthy was at fault for Roberto Firmino’s goal against Liverpool in Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at Selhurst Park.
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